Jammin' January

Well, Christmas came and went and we always get a little sad at that time. This time, we were even a little more bummed as we had to say goodbye to Dalcorp, once and for all. Dalcorp had been in our lives since the mid 90's (right dad?) and was such a big part of my youth. I took the kids over there on our way home from my parents' house so we could hang out, eat lunch, and say one final goodbye. Gampa had the golf cart running, so we were playing a lot on that. Although it was bittersweet saying goodbye to that wonderful place, I know we have so many more awesome memories to make in the future. Now that my mom and dad bought this GIGANTIC motor home (and they've already made a cross country trip to visit Kim and AJ!), I feel like we'll get a lot of traveling in throughout the next year. So fun:)

We didn't really have many plans for New Years with me being pretty pregnant and Mike being exhausted from work, so we just hung low. Our friends from Ohio (the MacLaughlin family) were out visiting Ms. Betty (their grandma) across the street, so they had a lot of fun playing with the boys while they were here. 

On January 5, we went down to San Diego to celebrate Ella and Blake's birthdays. It was a princess and pirate combo party and the boys had a great time! Plus, we always love seeing our friends Doug and Trish Bear and their families. We love you guys!

Finally, I have our FIRST trip to Monster Jam documented in here. You'll see the second one in the next blog. Auntie Erica and Uncle B had gotten tickets to go to Monster Jam at Angels Stadium on January 12. The kids had NO idea they were going and it was gonna be a huge surprise. Well, the day before we went up there, Dane came down with a NASTY fever/cold/flu thing. Poor thing had to stay home with daddy while I took Ryan up to see Monster Jam. Luckily, Dane just thought he was missing out on a trip to see Gamma Gampa (which was still really sad for him), so he wasn't AS disappointed. We still had a fun and silly time with Ry Ry, but we definitely missed Dane and Mike. Mike and I decided that we'd get tickets for Monster Jam the very next weekend so Dane could go, so stay tuned for those pics.

Thanks for reading and hopefully I'll get the next blog out before this baby comes! Love to you all!

A little after Christmas snuggle time with Uncle Kenny.

An incredible airplane that Uncle "Bark" made for Daney. Dane couldn't stop smiling.

Ridin' around Dalcorp with Gampa and saying goodbye:(

And now Aunt Kimmy's drivin'...look out!

So, Dane proudly presented me with this box of hair. Turns out he thought he'd give Ryan and himself a little trim. Funny thing is, you couldn't really tell where he cut except for a little bit of Ryan's bangs. :)

Awesome "Grave Digger" Fat Head from Auntie Kimmy.

Here is Alana in early January!

Here is Dane using the new clay wheel Gamma Gampa got him for Christmas. 

Snuggling with dad.

Snuggling with mom.

Kate, Kyle and Claire with Dane. Ohio buddies!

Getting Alana's room ready to go...

Dane made sure to make her a PINK gun since ya know...she's  gotta have a paper towel roll gun to protect herself from the boys:)

My little pirate eating his cream of wheat...and dipping his entire piece of toast in it as well.

This single picture captures what Mike and I did on New Year's Eve. HA!

Happy Birthday, Ella and Blake!

Ella and Mama Trish...lookin' good!

The kids got to have the Little Mermaid visit their party.

This pirate is done.

Here is Ryan standing next to his favorite Monster Truck: Tropical Thunder. Or as he calls it, "Tropical One Gunder."

Ryan and Auntie E.

Maximum Destructioooooon!

The Robosaur! 

He eats CARS!

Ryan was NOT amused.

Poor sicky Dane:(

HERBIE!!!

This was right after Erica and Brian purchased the all famous tire muffs. Little did we know how much they'd make us laugh!

Ryan INSISTED on wearing them this way. 

A little tight!

"Please bring the car around, Droopy!"

Here is Dane holding up the gifts Auntie Erica got him!

Erica loaded us up with a bunch of Monster Jam goodies for the boys. YEAH!

Dane heard about the weekend, but was so excited that we were going to go the next weekend. He was sick for another WEEK and barely made it to the next Monster Jam. WHEW! Stay tuned...